FBI Indicts 31 People in NBA Gambling-Related Case Tied to Mafia

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Two NBA members’ seasons have hit an unusual blockade. 

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always reminding people to be mindful of their choices, and this recent news is a stark reminder of that. It’s been confirmed that Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups were among 31 people arrested in connection with an FBI investigation into illegal gambling. The news broke yesterday, and it’s definitely a surprising turn of events for both of these prominent figures in the basketball world.

Court records obtained by NBC News show the case involves two fraud charges. The first charge names Rozier among six people accused of running a sports betting scheme, and includes accusations of wire fraud and money laundering.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always keeping an eye on things that impact everyday life, and this recent news is pretty significant. A new indictment has named 31 people – including someone named Billups – as part of a large federal investigation into illegal gambling. What’s particularly concerning is that this operation allegedly involved four major mafia families. The charges are serious felonies, including things like fraud, money laundering, and even robbery and extortion. It’s a reminder that even seemingly harmless activities can have connections to much larger, and dangerous, criminal networks.

FBI Director Kash Patel says the suspected illegal gambling and sports rigging scheme lasted for years and involved fraud totaling tens of millions of dollars.

During the press conference, Patel explained that the FBI made arrests in 11 different states. Those arrested face charges including wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, robbery, and running illegal gambling operations.

He added, “The fraud is mind-boggling.”

At the conference, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. stated that the suspects are accused of using advanced technology to cheat and steal millions from illegal, underground poker games. He also identified the Lucchese, Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families as being involved in backing these games.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always keeping an eye on things that impact our communities, and this is a big one. Federal authorities have just shut down a major illegal poker operation they’re calling “Operation Royal Flush.” Ricky Patel, who leads Homeland Security Investigations here in New York, shared that’s the name they’ve given the case.

“The years of investigative work that culminated with this morning’s operations seem reminiscent of a Hollywood movie, but this wasn’t luck, and this wasn’t theatrics,” he said during the conference, per NBC News. “This was an evidence-driven, relentless and unified effort among law enforcement.”

NBC News reports that, according to the FBI, former NBA player Damon Jones was also arrested alongside Rozier and Billups, relating to the same charges in both cases.

According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the players and their coach were reportedly part of a fraudulent betting scheme related to NBA games, known as “Operation Nothing But Net.”

Among the others arrested, per NBC News, are members and associates of the organized crime groups.

TopMob News has contacted Jim Trusty, Rozier’s lawyer, for a statement, but hasn’t received a response yet. We’ve also tried to find and contact lawyers for Jones and Billups to get their comments.

Rozier’s lawyer, Trusty, criticized the details surrounding his client’s arrest in a statement to NBC News.

I just can’t believe this! Apparently, a while back, my guy, Trusty, tried to get these prosecutors to be upfront with them – you know, establish some open communication. They initially downplayed Terry’s involvement, saying he was just a ‘subject’ in their investigation, not a ‘target.’ But then, get this, at SIX AM this morning, Trusty got a call saying the FBI was actually trying to arrest Terry at his hotel! It’s outrageous! They led us to believe it wasn’t that serious, and then BAM – arrest attempt! I’m telling you, something isn’t right here.

The attorney claimed the FBI chose a public display of force instead of letting Rozier turn himself in. They believe the FBI is relying on unreliable sources and ignoring actual evidence, pointing out that Rozier was previously cleared by the NBA and that prosecutors have reopened an old, baseless case. The attorney stated Rozier doesn’t gamble, but he’s prepared to vigorously defend himself and expects to win.

Following the news, the NBA shared an update on the actions its taking.

In a statement released on October 23rd, the organization said it is reviewing the federal charges announced today. Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups have been immediately suspended from team activities, and the organization will continue to work with investigators. They stressed that they are treating these allegations very seriously and that maintaining the integrity of the game is their main concern.

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2025-10-23 22:17